The Benefit of an Appreciation Journal

I would say that since the beginning of 2012, I have gone through more positive changes in my life than probably any other year so far. Being in my mid 40’s I was pretty fed up with the lack of contentment in my career, lack of a comfortable living and pride in what I’ve accomplished. I’m not saying my life hasn’t been good, just that in recent years, the bad moments were outweighing the good times. I needed to overhaul the way I was living my life and I needed to find peace and a sense of satisfaction in the decisions I was making.

When I decided to go after a new career as a Realtor and really make something out of my writing, I felt that the best way to stay on track was by creating an Accomplishment Journal. I don’t do anything fancy with the journal, just write down something I am proud of and date it. There have been moments when I have needed a boost and looking over the journal has been a great way to keep pushing for what I ultimately want.

I love being able to look over the journal and read about things that I had forgotten about. I have noticed that there are many more great moments that what I had perceived just from my memory. I like that some day I will have met my goals and will be able to look back and really see the path that took me from nothing to greatness.

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know how important my children are to me. I am always looking for ways to incorporate the things going on in my life into a life lesson for the kids. This journal has been great because they can see what I did to get where I am. The kids have gotten a new perspective on how to keep pushing for what they want when they are going after their dreams by seeing how I have stayed motivated.

This year as the kids get ready to head back to school, I am going to have the kids start Accomplishment Journals. I want them to see on paper all of the great moments in their lives. Whether it is getting an A on a paper they struggled on, getting a good part in the school play or getting recognition from their coach, I want them to be able to look back and see all of the great moments they have experienced.

I can’t wait to see how the year will wrap up in my journal. It’s exciting to realize that there will be so much more that will be written down and that I have no idea yet what those accomplishments will be.

Related articles

Wendy McCance is a Michigan based freelance writer and social media consultant. Wendy has gained attention as the founder of the popular blog Searching for the Happiness which can be viewed in 9 local papers online, including the Oakland Press. The combination of writing skills and social media knowledge is what makes Wendy such a powerhouse to work with. Stay tuned for opportunities to advertise, guest post and as always, have your questions answered.

To contact Wendy McCance about a writing or social media assignment, interview or speaking engagement, please email her at: mccance.wendy@gmail.com

Post navigation

10 thoughts on “The Benefit of an Appreciation Journal”

I have read the Og Mandino book, too and it is an excellent book! A great idea of an Accomplishment Journal! Your article seemed like it was describing me. I, too, am in my 40’s and have been going through some of the same things.

I am Happy for you, great insight, nothing but “Positive” That is the key to this LIFE! If you want a “GREAT” book, “Og Mandino” is the author. The book is “The Greatest Salesman in the World” If you read it read it slow, actually a couple or eight times is better! It is a short book but FULL of positive stuff. Please let me know what you think! Gary Lange, say Hi to Mike I am on my 12 th reading. The back half is where the MEAT is!